Trump suggests US may charge toll on ships passing through Strait of Hormuz

US President Donald Trump has suggested that the United States could consider charging tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route, amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

The remarks come as tensions remain high in the region, with the strategic waterway at the centre of geopolitical and economic concerns.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints, through which a significant portion of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments pass.

According to reports, Trump indicated that instead of allowing Iran to benefit from controlling or influencing passage through the strait, the US could impose its own toll system.

The proposal was framed in the context of the ongoing conflict and Washington’s role in securing maritime routes.

Trump suggested that the US, which he described as having the upper hand in the conflict, should consider economic measures tied to control of the waterway. He argued that charging tolls could be an alternative approach to managing access to the strait.

The idea marks a significant shift from traditional international maritime norms, where key shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz are generally governed by international law ensuring freedom of navigation.

Any move to impose tolls would likely require substantial control over the waterway and could face legal and diplomatic challenges.

The proposal comes amid ongoing disruptions in the strait due to the conflict. Shipping activity has been significantly affected, with reports indicating reduced traffic and heightened security risks for vessels navigating the route.

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea and is bordered by Iran and Oman. Before the conflict, it carried roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply, making it vital to global energy markets.

Trump’s comments also follow earlier reports that Iran has imposed strict controls and screening mechanisms for ships passing through the strait, amid the broader conflict with the US and Israel. These measures have contributed to a sharp decline in normal shipping traffic.

There has been no official policy announcement from the US administration regarding the implementation of such tolls, and the proposal remains at a conceptual stage.

The suggestion has emerged at a time when diplomatic efforts are ongoing to de-escalate tensions and restore normal shipping activity in the region. Any changes to how the strait is managed could have far-reaching implications for global trade, energy supply chains, and regional stability.

The situation remains fluid, with further developments expected as the conflict continues and international stakeholders push for stability in one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors.